Reusable Multi-Purpose Bag Formed of Nonwoven Fibrous Material

ABSTRACT

Described herein is a reusable, multi-purpose bag, comprising a flexible, resiliently deformable body comprising a first material and a second material. The first material has a first degradation temperature and an absorption ratio of at least two to one of absorbed water weight to bag weight. The first material forms an anterior panel and a posterior panel, and the anterior panel is coupled to the posterior panel to define a cavity therebetween. The second material has a second degradation temperature that is lower than the first degradation temperature, and at least a portion of the anterior panel is bonded to at least a portion of the posterior panel by the second material.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This patent application claims priority from U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/692,676 entitled “Multi-purpose Bag,” filed on Aug.23, 2012, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to reusable bags and associatedmethods of manufacture.

The environmental impact of single use plastic shopping bags as commonlysupplied by many supermarkets and shops is well known. Such bags areused in large quantities and are usually too flimsy for repeat usage.Moreover, consumers generally pay little attention to the properdisposal of the bag. The resulting pollution from these single use bagshas become a significant concern for many communities, and manycommunities have banned such bags. Accordingly, alternatives to thesingle use shopping bags and methods of reducing the environmentalimpact of shopping bags are keenly sought after.

One possible solution to the issue is the adoption of reusable bags,including reusable bags that can be purchased from the retailer at acost to the consumer. Such reusable shopping bags are considered asustainable alternative to using single-use plastic bags when carryinggroceries or other purchased items. Typically, reusable bags are made ofa durable material and can be reused many times over a given period oftime. For example, cloth bags have recently gained popularity for use asreusable shopping bags. However, these bags can be expensive tomanufacture, often requiring significant manual labor (e.g., sewing),such that the cost of the reusable bags is often a deterrent toconsumers.

Given that the consumers who buy the reusable bags have made aninvestment in reusable bags, the expectation is that such products willbe carefully looked after and maintained. However, many consumers do notappropriately clean or launder conventional reusable bags, and researchhas shown that reusable bags can harbor harmful bacterial growth afteronly a few uses.

Also, the reusable bag will eventually wear out and become unusable tothe owner as a carrying tool. The typical reusable bag offers no otherpractical use apart from as a carrying tool. Thus, once the conventionalreusable bag has lost its ability to carry items securely, the bag mayfind its way into a landfill. A more environmentally friendly way ofdisposing of the bag is to recycle it. However, neighborhood recyclingprograms generally do not include the recycling of materials typicallyused in the construction of reusable bags.

Accordingly, there remains a need for less expensive, more useful, andmore environmentally friendly reusable bags. The apparatus and methodsdisclosed herein overcome one or more of the deficiencies of the priorart.

SUMMARY

In one exemplary aspect, this disclosure is directed to a nonwovenfibrous bag having sufficiency absorbency, softness, and flexibility toalso function as a rag.

In one aspect, the reusable, multi-purpose bag comprises a flexible,resiliently deformable body comprising a first material and a secondmaterial. The first material has a first melting point and the secondmaterial has a second melting point. In one aspect, the second meltingpoint is lower than the first melting point. In one aspect, the firstmaterial has an absorption ratio of at least two to one of absorbedwater weight to bag weight. The first material forms an anterior paneland a posterior panel. The anterior panel is positioned adjacent to theposterior panel to define a cavity therebetween and at least a portionof the anterior panel is bonded to at least a portion of the posteriorpanel by the second material.

In another exemplary aspect, the present disclosure is directed to areusable, multi-purpose bag comprising a flexible, resilientlydeformable body formed of a nonwoven fibrous material having anabsorption ratio of at least two to one of absorbed water weight to bagweight. In one aspect, the body comprises an anterior panel, a posteriorpanel, and a longitudinal axis. The anterior panel includes a firstupper edge and a first lower edge, and the posterior panel includes asecond upper edge and a second lower edge. The longitudinal axis extendsfrom the first upper edge to the first lower edge. In one aspect, theanterior panel is coupled to the posterior panel to define a cavitytherebetween by a bonding agent applied between the anterior panel andthe posterior panel. In one aspect, the bonding agent is different thanthe nonwoven fibrous material. In one aspect, the bag includes anopening between the first upper edge and the second upper edge, with theopening being in communication with the cavity. In one aspect, the bagincludes a handle disposed on the body. In one aspect, the fibrousmaterial comprises a non-woven mixture of polymer fibers and pulpfibers.

In another exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to areusable, multipurpose bag comprising a flexible, resiliently deformablebody formed of a nonwoven fibrous material and a bonding agent. In oneaspect, the fibrous material has an absorption ratio of at least two toone of absorbed water weight to bag weight. The anterior panel includesa first upper edge and a first lower edge, and the posterior panelincludes a second upper edge and a second lower edge. The longitudinalaxis extends from the first upper edge to the first lower edge. In oneaspect, the anterior panel is coupled to the posterior panel to define acavity therebetween by a bonding agent disposed between the anteriorpanel and the posterior panel to seal the anterior panel to theposterior panel. In one aspect, the bonding agent has a lower meltingpoint than the nonwoven fibrous material and the bonding agent meltsonto the nonwoven fibrous material and bonds the anterior panel to theposterior panel. In one aspect, the bag includes an opening between thefirst upper edge and the second upper edge, and the opening is incommunication with the cavity. In one aspect, the bag includes a handle.

In another exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to areusable, multipurpose bag comprising a flexible, resiliently deformablebody formed of a nonwoven fibrous material and a bonding agent. In oneaspect, the anterior panel includes a first upper edge and a first loweredge, and the posterior panel includes a second upper edge and a secondlower edge. In one aspect, a longitudinal axis extends from the firstupper edge to the first lower edge. In one aspect, the anterior panel iscoupled to the posterior panel to define a cavity therebetween. In oneaspect, the bonding agent is disposed between the anterior panel and theposterior panel to seal the anterior panel to the posterior panel. Inone aspect, the bonding agent has a lower melting point than thenonwoven fibrous material. In one aspect, the bag includes an openingbetween the first upper edge and the second upper edge, and the openingis in communication with the cavity. In one aspect, the bag includes ahandle disposed on the body and spaced from the first and second loweredges along the longitudinal axis in parallel with a machine directionof the material, wherein the handle incorporates at least one of thefirst upper edge and the second upper edge and is disposed on a sidewallformed adjacent where the anterior panel is longitudinally coupled tothe posterior panel.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory innature and are intended to provide an understanding of the presentdisclosure without limiting the scope of the present disclosure. In thatregard, additional aspects, features, and advantages of the presentdisclosure will be apparent to one skilled in the art from the followingdetailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate embodiments of the devices andmethods disclosed herein and together with the description, serve toexplain the principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a reusable bag in accordancewith one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates a partial perspective view of a middle gussetedportion of the reusable bag shown in FIG. 1 taken along line 2-2 inaccordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3A illustrates an exemplary method of applying adhesive to a sheetof fibrous material in a cross-machine direction according to theprinciples of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3B illustrates an enlarged view of a portion of the sheet offibrous material shown in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary method of applying adhesive to a sheetof fibrous material in a machine direction according to the principlesof the present disclosure.

FIG. 5A illustrates an exemplary method of creating seals within a sheetof fibrous material according to the principles of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 5B illustrates another exemplary method of creating seals within asheet of fibrous material according to the principles of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates a front view of a reusable bag having an open top inaccordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 illustrates a front view of a reusable bag having a sealable topin accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 illustrates a front view of the reusable bag shown in FIG. 1 (inan unfinished state) in accordance with one embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 9A illustrates a front view of a reusable bag in accordance withone embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9B illustrates a front view of the reusable bag shown in FIG. 9A(in an unfinished state) in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 10A illustrates a front view of a reusable bag in accordance withone embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10B illustrates a front view of the reusable bag shown in FIG. 10A(in an unfinished state) in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of thepresent disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodimentsillustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used todescribe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitationof the scope of the disclosure is intended. Any alterations and furthermodifications to the described devices, instruments, methods, and anyfurther application of the principles of the present disclosure arefully contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art towhich the disclosure relates. In particular, it is fully contemplatedthat the features, components, and/or steps described with respect toone embodiment may be combined with the features, components, and/orsteps described with respect to other embodiments of the presentdisclosure. For the sake of brevity, however, the numerous iterations ofthese combinations will not be described separately. For simplicity, insome instances the same reference numbers are used throughout thedrawings to refer to the same or like parts.

The present disclosure relates generally to a reusable, multi-purposebag. In some instances, embodiments of the present disclosure areconfigured to be relatively inexpensive, reusable, multi-purpose bags.In one aspect, the reusable bags disclosed herein are made of anon-woven fibrous material. In one aspect, the reusable bags disclosedherein are made of a non-woven composite fibrous material containing, byway of non-limiting example, a mixture of polyester and wood pulp. Insome instances, embodiments of the present disclosure comprise reusableretail shopping bags that are may be printed upon. In one aspect, thebags disclosed herein are capable of holding heavy loads, while beingsuitably lightweight and compact for everyday usage. In some instances,embodiments of the present disclosure are configured to be not onlyenvironmentally friendly and biodegradable, but also compostable. Insome embodiments, the reusable bags disclosed herein are made of amaterial that enables them to be reused for purposes other than carryingimplements once they have exhausted their usefulness as bags. Forexample, in some instances, the reusable bags disclosed herein may berepurposed as reusable cleaning rags that may be washing, rinsed, and/orsanitized between uses. Thus, the present disclosure is directed to anonwoven fibrous bag having sufficiency absorbency, softness, andflexibility to also function as a rag.

The term “machine direction,” as shown by the arrow MD in FIG. 3B and asused herein refers to the direction of travel of the forming surfaceonto which fibers are deposited during formation of a nonwoven web orsheet of fibrous material.

The term “cross-machine direction” or “cross direction” or “cross webdirection,” as shown by the arrow CD in FIG. 3B and as used hereinrefers to the direction which is generally perpendicular to the machinedirection defined above.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a reusable bag 100 inaccordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. In thepictured embodiment, the bag 100 is relatively symmetrical about acentral longitudinal axis LA. In some embodiments, the longitudinal axisLA of the bag 100 is parallel to the machine direction of the materialused to make the bag 100. In the pictured embodiment, the bag 100comprises a generally rectangular bag including an anterior panel 105and a posterior panel 110. Other embodiments may comprise any of avariety of shapes, including, by way of non-limiting example, oblong orsquare bags. In the pictured embodiment, an edge 111 (not shown) of theanterior panel 105 and an edge 112 (not shown) of the posterior panel110 are coupled to form a side seam 115, an upper edge 120, and a loweredge 125. The edge 111 and the edge 112 may be overlapped to create theside seam 115. The side seam 115 forms the longitudinal junction of theanterior panel 105 and the posterior panel 110.

In the pictured embodiment, the anterior panel 105 and the posteriorpanel 110 have substantially the same dimensions. The bag 100 includes alongitudinal length L extending from the upper edge 120 to the loweredge 125. In some embodiments, the length L may range from 4 to 60inches. In one particular embodiment, for example, the length L may be22 inches. The bag 100 includes a width W1 extending from an anterioredge 126 a to an opposite anterior edge 126 b. In some embodiments, thewidth W1 may range from 4 to 42 inches. In one particular embodiment,for example, the width W1 may be 19 inches. The above dimensions areprovided for illustrative purposes only, and other dimensions arecontemplated.

In the pictured embodiment, the reusable bag 100 includes a sidewall 130a and an opposite sidewall 130 b (not shown). As shown more clearly inFIG. 2, which illustrates a perspective, cross-sectional view of acentral portion 131 of the bag 100, the sidewalls 130 a, 130 b comprisegusseted or inwardly folded portions of the bag 100. The sidewall 130 ais formed by a portion of the anterior panel 105 and a portion of theposterior panel 110 that is coupled together along the side seam 115. Inthe pictured embodiment, the sidewalls 130 a, 130 b comprise initiallyV-shaped or concave panels which are folded inwardly at the side edges126 a, 126 b, respectively so as to lie between the anterior panel 105and the posterior panel 110 when the bag 100 is flat, but which open outso as to provide the bag 100 with essentially flat or convex sidesurfaces when the bag 100 is filled. For example, the sidewall 130 acomprises a pair of generally rectangular subpanels 132 a, 132 b foldedalong a gusset valley 133 so as to form a flattened “V” when the bag isflat, but which are unfolded to form an essentially flat or convex sidesurface of the bag 100 when the bag is filled. Thus, the sidewalls 130a, 130 b will open out (e.g., expand) naturally when the bag 100 isfilled to provide well defined side surfaces. In the picturedembodiment, the side seam 115 is disposed apart from the gusset valley133. In other embodiments, the side seam 115 lies within the gussetvalley 133.

In various embodiments, the anterior panel 105 and the posterior panel110 may be coupled in a variety of ways to create differently configuredbags. For example, in some embodiments, the anterior panel 105 and theposterior panel 110 may join at the side seam 115 without the gussetingthat forms the sidewalls 130 a, 130 b. Thus, these embodiments lack thesidewalls 130 a, 130 b. Examples of such embodiments are discussed ingreater detail below with reference to FIGS. 9A-10B. Regardless of theparticular configuration, the reusable bag 100 is shaped and configuredas a flexible bag that is resiliently deformable, i.e., the bag may befolded and crumpled without permanent deformation. In some embodiments,the reusable bag 100 is porous to water (e.g., water may be absorbed bythe bag and water may flow through the bag to some extent).

The anterior panel 105, the posterior panel 110, and the sidewalls 130a, 130 b define a cavity 140 within the bag 100. In the picturedembodiment, the anterior panel 105 and the posterior panel 110 areshaped and configured to define an opening or mouth 145 extending intothe cavity 140. The opening 145 may be shaped in any of a variety ofshapes, including, by way of non-limiting example, an irregular polygon,a polygon, and an arcuate curve. The cavity 140 exists as a potentialspace within the bag 100 when the bag is in a flat, unexpandedcondition. As a user fills the cavity 140 by putting various items intothe bag 100 through the opening 145, the cavity 140 expands toaccommodate the items. As described above, the sidewalls 130 a, 130 bopen out so as to provide the bag 100 with essentially flat or convexside surfaces when the cavity 140 is filled. Thus, the gusseting andsidewalls 130 a, 130 b effectively increase the potential volume of thecavity 140.

The upper edges 120 of the bag 100, which frame the opening 145, areformed by the horizontal coupling of the anterior panel 105 and theposterior panel 110 at the upper region of each panel. Similarly, thelower edge 125 of the bag 100 is formed by the horizontal coupling ofthe anterior panel 105 and the posterior panel 110 at the lower regionof each panel. As described above, the side seam 115 is formed by thelongitudinal coupling of the anterior panel 105 and the posterior panel110. Such coupling may be accomplished by any of a variety of fixedcoupling mechanisms including, by way of non-limiting example, adhesive,including polymer adhesive and double-sided tape, melt-bonding,ultrasonic sealing means, heat sealing means (e.g., using polymers,polythenes, or other plastic coatings or plies), or any other suitablebonding arrangement capable of securely sealing the anterior panel 105to the posterior panel 110.

For example, in some embodiments, such as the one illustrated in FIG. 1,the anterior panel 105 is sealed to the posterior panel 110 at the upperedges 120, the lower edge 125, and/or the side seam 115 via a bondingagent 200. This is in contrast to typical plastic shopping bags, whichare formed by heat-sealing one layer of plastic directly to the otherwithout an intervening bonding agent. In some embodiments, the bondingagent 200 comprises a polymer containing a high concentration ofethylene vinyl acetate (EVA). In alternative embodiments, the bondingagent 200 comprises a polymer containing a high concentration ofpolyvinyl acetate (PVA). In alternative embodiments, the bonding agent200 comprises a polymer containing a high concentration of polylacticacid (PLA). For example, in one embodiment, the fibrous material of thereusable bag 100 comprises viscose and the bonding agent 200 comprisesPLA. In alternative embodiments, the bonding agent 200 comprises apolymer containing a high concentration of ethylene methyl acrylatecopolymer resin (EMAC resin). In alternative embodiments, the bondingagent 200 comprises EVA, PVA, or EMAC itself. In some embodiments, thebonding agent 200 comprises a bioplastic or biopolymer. The bondingagent 200 is stable in both hot and cold conditions.

As shown in FIGS. 3A-4, a strip of the bonding agent 200 may bedeposited on a sheet of material 205 during the manufacturing process ofcreating the bag 100. In FIG. 3A, the bonding agent 200 is depositedsubstantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA of the sheet205, or substantially parallel to the cross direction CD of the sheet ofmaterial 205. As shown in FIG. 3B, which illustrates an enlarged portion203 of the sheet of material 205, the fibers 204 of the material 205 ofthe reusable bag 100 are oriented substantially in parallel to themachine direction MD of the sheet of material 205. As indicated by FIGS.3 a and 3 b, the cross direction CD of the sheet of material 205 extendssubstantially perpendicular to the machine direction MD. In FIG. 4, thebonding agent 200 is deposited along the longitudinal axis LA of thesheet of material 205. In other words, the bonding agent 200 isdeposited substantially parallel to the machine direction MD of thesheet of material 205.

In some instances, with reference to FIG. 1, the anterior panel 105 issealed to the posterior panel 110 at the upper edges 120, the lower edge125, and/or the side seam 115 by melting strips of the bonding agent 200between the anterior panel 105 and the posterior panel 110. Analternative methods of coupling or sealing the upper edges 120, thelower edge 125, and/or the side seam 115 of the bag 100 includes using asufficient quantity of EVA (or PVA or PLA) to saturate each section(e.g., defined by the area covered by the bonding agent 200) of theanterior panel 105 and the posterior panel 110 to be attached. Anotheralternative method includes using hot melt glue to attach the upperedges 120, the lower edge 125, and/or the side seam 115 of the bag 100.These exemplary methods are presented for the sake of illustration only,and are not meant to be limiting. Other methods of sealing the upperedges 120, the lower edge 125, and/or the side seam 115 of the bag 100are also contemplated.

In one exemplary method in accordance with the principles of the presentdisclosure, as shown in FIG. 5A, the upper edges 120 and the lower edge125 of the bag 100 (shown in FIG. 1) are created in a sequence of stepsinvolving the creation of a “tube” of material 205. The material 205 maybe folded upon itself and the over-lapping edges bonded by applying astrip 206 of the bonding agent 200 along the longitudinal axis LA of thefibrous material 205 in the machine direction indicated by the arrow MDto create a tube 210. The tube 210 of material 205 may be divided intobag compartments or individual bags 100 by applying strips 208 ofbonding agent 200 substantially perpendicular to the machine directionMD of the fibrous material 205 (e.g., substantially parallel to thecross direction CD of the fibrous material 205). In some instances, thebonding agent 200 is heat-sealed to the sheet of fibrous material 205(e.g., as both the bonding agent 200 and the sheet of material 205 areunwound).

In some embodiments, the bonding agent 200 comprises a melt-bondingagent rather than a true adhesive. In particular, the bonding agent 200melts with heat and bonds different parts of the fibrous material 205together as it hardens (e.g., after the removal of the heat source andas the bonding agent 200 cools). The bonding agent 200 preferably has alower melting point or degradation temperature than the polymers withinthe fibrous material 205 so that the bonding agent 200 melts during thesealing process before the fibrous material 205 degrades. The bondingagent 200 may have a softening temperature (e.g., the vicat softeningtemperature) ranging from 120 degrees F. to 160 degrees F. For example,in one embodiment, the bonding agent has a softening temperature of 140degree F. (60 degrees C.). The bonding agent 200 may have a meltingpoint or degradation temperature ranging from 160 degrees F. to 200degrees F. For example, in one embodiment, the bonding agent has amelting point of 180 degree F. (82 degrees C.). In another embodiment,the bonding agent has a melting point of 190 degree F. (88 degrees C.).The bonding agent 200 may have a seal initiation temperature rangingfrom 135 degrees F. to 175 degrees F. For example, in one embodiment,the bonding agent has a seal initiation temperature of 155 degree F. (68degrees C.). In some embodiments, the bonding agent 200 maintainsstrength and flexibility within temperatures ranging from hot to cold.In some instances, the bonding agent 200 comprises a strip of adhesiveor bonding agent. In other instances, the bonding agent 200 comprises aliquid adhesive bonding agent.

The tube or tubular structure 210 comprises multiple anterior panels 105(e.g., one hemi-cylinder of the tubular structure) and multipleposterior panels 110 (e.g., the remaining hemi-cylinder of the tubularstructure). In some embodiments, the predetermined intervals may besubstantially equal to the desired length L of each bag 100. Aftercreating the tubular structure 210, the process may continue by securing(e.g., heat-sealing) the anterior panels 105 to the posterior panels(e.g., the two hemi-cylinders of the tubular structure 210) along thecross-directional strips 208.

In some embodiments, the process includes the step of creating sidegussets. As shown in FIG. 2, the bag 100 may be gusseted by applying adiscrete strip 211 of the bonding agent 200 along a portion 212 of thesidewall 130 a and sealing the subpanel 132 a to the subpanel 132 aalong the strip 211. Thus, the strip 211 of the bonding agent 200 isapplied to an exterior surface 214 of the bag 100 to seal the gusset.Similar steps may be performed on the sidewall 130 b to create a secondgusset.

In bags 100 produced by the method illustrated in FIG. 5A, the upperedges 120 and the lower edge 125 are sealed (e.g., heat-sealed ormelt-bonded) by the cross-directional strips 208. In particular, thetubular structure 210 of the material 205 may be cut (e.g., with aguillotine cutter) across the cross-directional strips 208, as indicatedby the dotted lines A, to produce multiple bags 100. In the picturedembodiment, each cross-directional strip 208 comprises the upper edges120 of one bag 100 as well as the lower edge 125 of the adjacent bag100. In the pictured embodiment, each machine direction strip 206comprises the side seam 115 of the reusable bag 100. In otherembodiments, each cross directional strip 208 eventually comprises theside seams 115 of the bag 100.

For example, in another exemplary method, as shown in FIG. 5B, thematerial 205 may be folded upon itself and the edges bonded by applyinga strip 206 of the bonding agent 200 along the longitudinal axis LA ofthe fibrous material 205 in the machine direction indicated by the arrowMD to create a tube 210. In some embodiments, the edges bonded by thelongitudinal strip 206 ultimately form upper edges 215 of a reusable bag213. The reusable bag 213 is substantially similar to the reusable bag100 except for the differences described herein. In the picturedembodiment, the reusable bag 213 includes a folded lower edge 216. Thesheet of material 205 may be divided into bag compartments or individualbags 213 by applying the strips 208 of bonding agent 200 substantiallyperpendicular to the machine direction MD of the fibrous material 205(e.g., substantially parallel to the cross direction CD of the fibrousmaterial 205). In some instances, the bonding agent 200 is heat-sealedto the sheet of fibrous material 205 (e.g., as both the bonding agent200 and the sheet of material 205 are unwound).

The process may continue by securing (e.g., heat-sealing ormelt-bonding) the anterior panels to the posterior panels (e.g., the twofolded portions of the material 205) along the bonding agent strips 206,208. In bags 213 produced by the method illustrated in FIG. 5B, theupper edges 215 and side seams 217 are sealed by the cross directionalstrips 208. In particular, the material 205 may be cut (e.g., with aguillotine cutter) across the cross-directional strips 208, as indicatedby the line B, to produce multiple bags 213. In the pictured embodiment,each cross directional strip 208 eventually comprises the side seams ofthe bag 213, and the longitudinal or machine direction strip 206 mayeventually comprise the upper edge 215. In some embodiments, the processincludes the step of creating side gussets.

In some instances, embodiments of the present disclosure are configuredto be flat top bags having an open top as shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 6illustrates a reusable bag 300 including an open upper edge 305. The bag300 is substantially similar to the bag 100 except for the differencesdescribed herein. The bag 300 is open at the upper edge 305, and acavity 310 (not shown) is generally open and accessible to the user. Insome embodiments, the bag 300 includes a gusseted bottom edge 315. Insome instances, the bottom edge 315 may be gusseted in a similar manneras described above with reference to the gusseted sides of the bag 100shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

In other instances, embodiments of the present disclosure are configuredto be resealable bags as shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 7 illustrates a reusablebag 350 including a sealable upper area 355 adjacent to an upper edge360. The bag 350 is substantially similar to the bag 100 except for thedifferences described herein. In some embodiments, the bag 350 isresealable at the upper area 355 (e.g., the upper area 355 may bedisposed at or adjacent to the opening of the bag 350, which may be thesame as the opening 140 of the bag 100). In some embodiments, the bag350 includes a strip 370 of the bonding agent 200 disposed within thebag 350 along the upper area 355. In some embodiments, this enables thebag 350 to be used for packaging purposes. In particular, items can beplaced inside a cavity 365 (not shown) inside the bag and the bag canthen be sealed using, by way of non-limiting example, standardheat-sealing equipment. In other embodiments, the bonding agent 200 maybe configured to allow the user to selectively open and close (i.e.,open and reseal) the bag 350 to access the cavity 365. In someembodiments, the bag 300 includes a gusseted bottom edge 375. In someinstances, the bottom edge 375 may be gusseted in a similar manner asdescribed above with reference to the gusseted sides of the bag 100shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

Several factors affect the strength, durability, absorbency, and otherphysical characteristics of the reusable bag 100, including, withoutlimitation, the seals of the bag 100, the material composition of thebag 100, the shape and design of the bag (e.g., gussets and handles),the directionality of the bag 100 (e.g., machine direction orcross-machine direction relative to its weight-bearing axis). The sealsand the gusseting of the bag 100 are discussed above with reference toFIGS. 1-7. The remaining factors are discussed in greater detail in thefollowing discussion.

As mentioned above, the reusable bag 100 is made of the fibrous material205. In some embodiments, the reusable bag 100 is made entirely of thefibrous material 205. In at least one embodiment, the fibrous material205 comprises a composite material formed of a non-woven fabric or webmade from a mixture of synthetic material (e.g., polyester) and pulp.The term “pulp” as used herein refers to fibers from natural sourcessuch as woody and non-woody plants. Woody plants include, for example,deciduous and coniferous trees. Non-woody plants include, for example,cotton, flax, esparto grass, milkweed, straw, jute hemp, and bagasse.However, other non-woven fabrics may be used to achieve the objectivesof the present disclosure. Examples of other non-woven materialsinclude, without limitation, spun-lace material, polypropylene,polyethelene, polylactic acid, polyester, Tyvek, polyetheleneterephthalate (PET), cotton, and paper.

In some embodiments, the fibrous material 205 comprises a non-wovenfabric made from a mixture of non-woven polymer fibers and pulp fibers.Examples of materials that can be used to form the fibers include,without limitation, viscose, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide, andcellulose pulp. In particular, in one embodiment, the fibrous materialis made of a mix of paper-like wood fiber pulp and a polymer fibermaterial. The polymer fiber material may comprise, by way ofnon-limiting example, a polyester, such as, by way of non-limitingexample, polylactic acid (PLA). In one instance, the fibrous material205 is formed by laminating the pulp to the polyester via water lacebonding or hydroentanglement. In an alternative embodiment, the fibrousmaterial 205 comprises a synthetic pulp, such as, by way of non-limitingexample, polyethelene terephthalate (PET). In some embodiments, thefibrous material 205 includes fibers from recycled materials including,by way of non-limiting example, plastics and wood fibers.

The ratio of pulp to the other material can affect the strength-bearingcapabilities and other physical characteristics of the reusable bag 100.The percentage of pulp (e.g., wood fiber pulp) in the fibrous material205 influences the strength of the fibrous material 205 (and, thus, thestrength of the reusable bag 100) as well as the absorbency. In general,the more pulp material contained in the fibrous material 205, the weakerthe fibrous material 205. In some embodiments, the ratio of polymerfibers to pulp fibers in the fibrous material is configured to optimizethe strength or the absorbency of the bag. In alternative applications,the ratio of polymer fibers to pulp fibers in the fibrous material isconfigured to optimize the strength and the absorbency of the bag. Forapplications in the field of carrying bags and cleaning rags, thefibrous material 205 may have a weight/surface ratio between 30 gsm(grams per square meter) and 100 gsm. In one embodiment, the reusablebag 100 may be composed of a fibrous material 205 having a weight of 60gsm.

In some instances, the weight of the fibrous material 205 can beadjusted (e.g., be made 30 g heavier) depending upon the strengthrequirements of the reusable bag 100. In one embodiment, for mediumweight 60 gsm material, it may be desirable to use approximately 35 gpulp (e.g., wood fiber pulp) and 25 g of polyester (or a ratio of 7:5 ofpulp:polymer). The pulp to polymer ratios may range from 8:1 in low loadbearing designs to as high as 3:5 in high load bearing designs. Duringthe manufacturing process, water pressure can be utilized to help creatematerial strength by bonding the shorter pulp fibers to the longerpolymer fibers (e.g., through spun lace bonding and/orhydroentanglement).

The percentage of pulp (e.g., wood fiber pulp) in the fibrous material205 influences the absorbability of the fibrous material 205 (and, thus,the absorbability of the reusable bag 100). In general, the more pulpmaterial contained in the fibrous material 205, the high the absorbencyof the fibrous material 205. In some instances, it is desirable to havea material absorbency potential that is approximately five times theweight of the material. For example, in one instance, 1 square meter ofa 60 gsm fibrous material may be able to absorb at least 300 g of water.Thus, both the desired strength and the desired absorbability of thereusable bag 100 may be taken into account when determining theappropriate ratio of pulp to polymer to use in forming the fibrousmaterial 205.

It is important to note that in at least some embodiments, the fibrousmaterial 205 is both biodegradable and compostable. In other words, inat least some embodiments, the fibrous material 205 is able to breakdown into carbon dioxide, water and biomass at the same rate as papermaterial. Also, in at least some embodiments, the fibrous material iscapable of degrading without producing any toxic material and is able tosupport plant life.

In some embodiments, reusable bag 100 includes antimicrobial propertiesthat enable the destruction of bacteria, viruses, and/or otherpathogens. In some instances, the fibrous material 205 itself comprisesan antimicrobial, non-woven fabric or web. For example, in someembodiments, the fibrous material 205 may be comprised at leastpartially of fibers that are either inherently antimicrobial (e.g.,bacteriostatic or bacteriocidal) or treated with an antimicrobial agent(e.g., an anionic polyelectrolyte and a cationic antimicrobial agent).In alternative embodiments, the fibrous material 205 may be treated withthe antimicrobial agent prior to being manufactured into the reusablebags 100. For example, in one instance, the antimicrobial agent isapplied (e.g., sprayed) onto the web of fibrous material 205 during theproduction of the fibrous material 205 itself. One example of anon-woven material having applied antimicrobial agents is the HyGentic®NW Antimicrobial Nonwoven material manufactured by the BASF Corporation.In alternative embodiments, the reusable bags 100 may be treated withthe antimicrobial agent during or after the manufacturing process oftransforming the fibrous material 205 into the reusable bags 100. Thus,reusable bags 100 constructed from fibrous material 205 havinganti-microbial properties may be more resistant to harboring harmfulmicroorganisms and other pathogens than conventional reusable bags.

The following tables illustrate experimental data reflecting variousphysical properties of different types of possible fibrous material 205.Table 1 illustrates experimental data obtained from testing of fibrousmaterial composed of Tencel and Viscose non-woven fibers having a weightof 60 G (for example, the Tencel and Viscose non-woven fibersmanufactured by Lenzing Group). Fibrous material composed of Tencel andViscose non-woven fibers Table 2 illustrates experimental data obtainedfrom testing of fibrous material composed of polyethelene terephthalate(PET) and paper pulp non-woven fibers having a weight of 65 gsm.

TABLE 1 Viscose (Tencel by Lenzing), Weight 65 gsm Tests OrientationUnit Result Methods Tensile Strength Machine Neutons/5 cm 145 IN. FRQAL. 103-B Direction Cross Web Neutons/5 cm 46.7 Direction ElongationMachine % 18 Direction Cross Web % 100 Direction Absorption Capacity N/A% 963 World Strategic Partners (WSP) Temperature Tolerance N/A DegreesF. 750 Direct Heat thru of Seal (Degradation Element and Temperature)Thermocoupling When Used with N/A Cycles/Min Dwell Time MS Temperature 3mil EMA Bonding Polymer 120 0.049 750 Ideal Bonding Temperature HeatResistance N/A Degrees F. 480 Temperature at which of Fibrous Materialfibrous material shows (Degradation signs of degradation afterTemperature) 5 minutes (e.g., curling or fibers shortening)

TABLE 2 50/050 PET PULP, Weight 65 gsm Tests Orientation Unit ResultMethods Tensile Strength Machine Neutons/5 cm 170 IN. FR QAL. 103-BDirection Cross Web Neutons/5 cm 55 Direction Elongation Machine % 15Direction Cross Web % 80 Direction Absorption Capacity N/A % 700 WorldStrategic Partners (WSP) Temperature Tolerance N/A Degrees F. 725Applied Heat thru of Seal (Degradation Sealing Bar Temperature) WhenUsed with N/A Cycles/Min Dwell Time MS Temperature 3 mil EMA BondingPolymer 120 0.049 750 Ideal Bonding Temperature Heat Resistance N/ADegrees F. 400 Temperature at which of Fibrous Material fibrous materialshows (Degradation signs of degradation after Temperature) 5 minutes(e.g., curling, discoloring, or fibers shortening)

In some embodiments, the reusable bag 100 includes a printed design 430,as shown in FIG. 1. The printed design 430 may be any of a variety ofgraphic elements, including by way of non-limiting example, a drawing, apainting, a photographic representation, a pattern, text, a logo, or acombination thereof. In some embodiments, the printed design 430 isadded to the reusable bag 100 by applying the inked design and thenapplying a layer of overprint-varnish to maintain the integrity of theprinting.

FIG. 8 illustrates the reusable bag 100 during a stage of manufacturepreceding the formation of handles. As shown, the reusable bag 100includes a body 450 and two handles 455. In the pictured embodiment, thebody 450 and the handles 455 are part of a continuous sheet of material205. In one instance, the handles 455 are created by cutting out theshape 460 outlined by the dotted line 465 from both the anterior panel105 and the posterior panel 110 (not shown in FIG. 8). In someembodiments, the handles 455 are formed after the anterior panel 105 andthe posterior panel 110 have been joined along the upper edge 120, theside seams 115, and/or the lower edge 125. In other embodiments, thehandles 455 may be formed at a different stage of the manufacturingprocess. In some embodiments, the reusable bag 100 includes an aperture470 (not shown in FIG. 8) through the sidewalls 130 a, 130 b formingeach of the handles 455. As better shown in FIG. 1, each aperture 470may be disposed in the sidewalls 130 a, 130 b in the area of the handles455.

With reference to FIG. 8, both the handles 455 and the body 450 areoriented to maximize the weight-bearing capacity and strength of thereusable bag 100. In other words, both the handles 455 and the body 450are formed such that the longitudinal or weight-bearing axis LA of thereusable bag 100 is parallel to the machine direction of the material205. This design enables the reusable bag 100 to have greater strengthand a higher weight-bearing capacity than a bag formed such that thelongitudinal or weight-bearing axis LA of the reusable bag 100 is notparallel to the machine direction of the material 205. Moreover,including the handles 455 above the body 450 of the reusable bag 100preserves the potential space or carrying volume of the bag 100. Asshown in FIG. 1, the user carrying handle is spaced along thelongitudinal axis LA, which lies in parallel to the machine directionMD, from the lower edge or lower bonded seam 125. In this form, theweight of the contents in the bag 100 are transmitted from the bondedseam or lower edge 125 along the strong direction of the material to theuser handle, while the weaker forces tending to stretch the bagoutwardly are countered by the non-woven material in a directionsubstantially perpendicular to the machine direction MD.

In alternative embodiments, the reusable bag 100 may be shaped in any ofvariety of suitable bag shapes and include any of a variety ofdifferently shaped handles. For example, FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrates areusable bag 500 according to one embodiment consistent with theprinciples of the present disclosure. The reusable bag 500 issubstantially similar to the reusable bag 100 except for the differencesdescribed herein. FIG. 9A illustrates the completed reusable bag 500having handles 515, and FIG. 9B illustrates the reusable bag 500 duringa stage of manufacture preceding the formation of the handles 515. Thereusable bag 500 includes a body 510 and the handles 515. In thepictured embodiment, the body 510 comprises a generally rectangularsheet of material comprising an anterior panel 520 and a posterior panel525 (not shown). The anterior panel 520 is attached to the posteriorpanel 525 at a bottom edge 526 and at side seams 527 via strips ofbonding agent as previously described. In the pictured embodiment, thereusable bag 500 is not sealed along an upper edge 528. Rather, the bag500 is open at the upper edge 528, and the anterior panel 520 can bespaced apart from the posterior panel 525 at the upper edge 528.

In the pictured embodiment, the handles 515 comprise a cut-out part ofthe material 205 forming the body 510. Although FIG. 9A does not showthe posterior panel 525 of the bag 500, it is to be understood that thebag 500 includes a handle 515 on both the anterior panel 520 and theposterior panel 525. In one instance, as shown in FIG. 9B, the handles515 are created by die-cutting out the shape 530 outlined by the dottedline 535 from both the anterior panel 520 and the posterior panel 525(not shown in FIG. 9A or 9B). In some embodiments, the die-cut handles515 are formed after the anterior panel 520 and the posterior panel 525have been joined to each other along the side seams 527 and/or thebottom edge 526. In some embodiments, the bag 500 may include gussets atthe bottom edge 526 and/or the side seams 527. In other embodiments, thehandles 515 may be formed at a different stage of the manufacturingprocess.

In some embodiments, the handle 515 may be longitudinally spaced fromthe bottom edge or lower bonded seam 526 along the machine direction MDof the material to increase the strength (e.g., the weight-bearingcapacity) of the bag 500. In alternative embodiments, the reusable bag500 may be formed such that the longitudinal or weight-bearing axis LAof the reusable bag 500 is perpendicular to the machine direction of thematerial 205 (e.g., the longitudinal or weight-bearing axis LA of thereusable bag 500 is parallel to the cross-direction of the material205).

FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrates a reusable bag 600 according to oneembodiment consistent with the principles of the present disclosure. Thereusable bag 600 is substantially similar to the reusable bag 100 exceptfor the differences described herein. FIG. 10A illustrates the completedreusable bag 600 having handles 615, and FIG. 10B illustrates thereusable bag 600 during a stage of manufacture preceding the formationof the handles 605. The reusable bag 600 includes a body 610 and thehandles 615. In the pictured embodiment, the body 510 comprises agenerally rectangular sheet of material comprising an anterior panel 620and a posterior panel 625 (not shown). The anterior panel 620 isattached to the posterior panel 625 at a bottom edge 626 and at sideseams 627. In some embodiments, the bag 600 may include gussets at thebottom edge 626 and/or the side seams 627. In the pictured embodiment,the reusable bag 600 is not sealed along an upper edge 628. Rather, thebag 600 is open at the upper edge 628, and the anterior panel 620 can bespaced apart from the posterior panel 625 at the upper edge 628. In thepictured embodiment, the upper edge 628 comprises a curved edge.

In the pictured embodiment, the handles 615 comprise a cut-out part ofthe material 205 forming the body 610. Although FIG. 10A does not showthe posterior panel 625 of the bag 600, it is to be understood that thebag 600 includes a cut-out feature or handle 615 on both the anteriorpanel 620 and the posterior panel 625. In one instance, as shown in FIG.10B, the handles 615 are created by die-cutting out the shape 630outlined by the dotted line 635 from both the anterior panel 620 and theposterior panel 625 (not shown in FIG. 10A or 10B). In one instance, theupper edge 628 of the reusable bag 600 may be created by cutting boththe anterior panel 620 and the posterior panel 625 of the body 610 alongthe dotted line 635. In some embodiments, the handles 615 and the upperedge 628 are formed after the anterior panel 620 and the posterior panel625 have been joined to each other along the side seams 627 and/or thebottom edge 626. In other embodiments, the handles 615 and/or the upperedge 628 may be formed at a different stage of the manufacturingprocess. It is important to note that the reusable bag 600 may be formedsuch that the longitudinal or weight-bearing axis LA of the reusable bag600 is perpendicular to the machine direction of the material 205 (e.g.,the longitudinal or weight-bearing axis LA of the reusable bag 600 isparallel to the cross-direction of the material 205).

Any other types of handles may be utilized with the reusable bagsdescribed herein. For example, in alternative embodiments, the handlesmay comprise additional pieces of material (made of either the fibrousmaterial 205 or another material) that are attached to the body of thereusable bag. In some embodiments, the handles may be secured to thebody of the bag via the melt-bonding methods using the bonding agent 200described above. In other embodiments, the handles may be attached tothe body of the bag by any of a variety of fixed coupling mechanismsincluding, by way of non-limiting example, adhesive, including polymeradhesive and double-sided tape, melt-bonding, ultrasonic sealing means,heat sealing means (e.g., using polymers, polythenes, or other plasticcoatings or plies), or any other suitable bonding arrangement capable ofsecurely sealing the handles to the body. The handles may be shaped inany of a variety of shapes, including, without limitation, a kidneyshape (as shown in FIGS. 9 a-10 b), an ovoid shape, and a rectangularshape.

The following tables illustrate experimental data reflecting theabsorption characteristics of different types of reusable bags havingdifferent types of fibrous material 205. Tables 3 and 4 illustrateexperimental data obtained from testing of a reusable bag 100 (i.e., a“T-shirt” bag) and a bag 600 (i.e., a “wave top” bag). Table 3illustrates experimental data obtained from testing each type of bag(i.e., reusable bag 100 and reusable bag 600) wherein each bag was madefrom fibrous material composed of Viscose non-woven fibers having aweight of 65 gsm. Table 4 illustrates experimental data obtained fromtesting each type of bag wherein each bag was made from fibrous materialcomposed of polyethelene terephthalate (PET) and paper pulp non-wovenfibers having a weight of 65 gsm. Both Tables contain data fromexperiments involving Processes A and B. In Process A, the bag wassubmerged in a container containing 12 ounces of tap water for 5minutes, removed, and then placed in a strainer over the same containerfor 10 seconds. In Process B, the bag was washed, wrung dry, and placedin a dryer on low heat for 15 minutes before repeating essentially thesame experiment performed in Process A.

TABLE 3 Viscose (Tencel by Lenzing) (100%), Weight 65 gsm Bag AbsorptionSize, Ratio Width × Amount Remaining Material (Water depth × of WaterWeight Absorbed to Design height Weight Water after Amount (withoutMaterial Process of Bag (inches) Unit in Cup Soaking Absorbed adhesive)Weight) A T- 12 × 7 × Ounce 12 4.2 7.8 1.0 7.5:1 (Remaining shirt 22Gram 340.2 119.1 221.1 29 Water (e.g., After bag Soaking) 100) A Wave 12× 7 × Ounce 12 4.8 7.2 0.9 8.1:1 (After Top 22 Gram 340.2 136.1 204.124.5 Soaking 5 (e.g. minutes bag and 600) Straining) B T- 12 × 7 × Ounce12 4 8 1.0 7.3:1 (After shirt 22 Gram 340.2 113.4 226.8 29 Soaking 5(e.g., minutes bag and 100) Straining) B Wave 12 × 7 × Ounce 12 4.6 7.40.9 8.1:1 (After Top 22 Gram 340.2 130.4 209.8 24.5 Soaking 5 (e.g.minutes bag and 600) Straining)

TABLE 4 PET/Paper Pulp (50%:50%), Weight 65 gsm Absorption Ratio AmountRemaining Material (Water Bag of Water Weight Absorbed to Design SizeWeight Water after Amount (without Material Process of Bag (inches) Unitin Cup Soaking Absorbed adhesive) Weight) A T- 12 × 7 × Ounce 12 5.3 6.71.1 5.9:1 (Remaining shirt 22 Gram 340.2 150.3 189.9 32 Water (e.g.,After bag Soaking) 100) A Wave 12 × 7 × Ounce 12 6.1 5.9 0.9 6.3:1(After Top 22 Gram 340.2 172.9 167.3 26.7 Soaking 5 (e.g. minutes bagand 600) Straining) B T- 12 × 7 × Ounce 12 5.2 6.8 1.1 6.0:1 (Aftershirt 22 Gram 340.2 147.4 192.8 32 Soaking 5 (e.g., minutes bag and 100)Straining) B Wave 12 × 7 × Ounce 12 6.3 5.7 0.9 6.1:1 (After Top 22 Gram340.2 178.6 161.6 26.7 Soaking 5 (e.g. minutes bag and 600) Straining)

The devices and methods disclosed herein describe various embodiments ofa reusable bag. In some embodiments, the exemplary reusable bagdisclosed herein is composed of biodegradable and compostable materialcomprising wood pulp and another material such as, by way ofnon-limiting example, polyester or another plastic. In one aspect, thebags are formed of material 205 having a high flexibility such that thebag can be folded without permanent deformation. Given that the reusablebags disclosed herein are flexible and compactible without materialdeformation, the user may fold or flatten the reusable bag and store it(e.g., in a drawer or cabinet) easily. In addition, in another aspect,the bags may have a second use as a rag (e.g., as a so-called “RagBag”)having an absorbency of at least 2 to 1 of absorbed water weight to bagweight. In addition, the bag material may have a softness that will notscratch furniture or paint finishes, such as those on cars. In oneaspect, the handle-o-meter stiffness test, the cantilever stiffnesstest, and/or the Gurley stiffness test of the material 205 is reflectiveof its softness. In a further feature of the bags disclosed herein, thematerial forming the bag, including the bonding agents (as describedabove with reference to FIG. 1), can withstand washing in soap and waterwhile still retaining the bag properties.

In some instances, the reusable bag disclosed herein may be re-usedseveral times as a shopping bag until it exhausts its usefulness as acarrying tool. At that time or at any time before bag degradation,several embodiments of reusable bags disclosed herein may be repurposedas reusable rags for household chores. For example, in some instances,the user may employ the reusable bag as a cleaning rag for wiping downhousehold surfaces (e.g., counters, windows, or floors), cleaning a car,and/or mopping up spills. In between uses, the user can rinse, wash,and/or sanitize the reusable bags disclosed herein. The reusable bagsdisclosed herein are relatively inexpensive to manufacture and they maybe reused multiple times in a myriad of ways before exhausting theirusefulness. Accordingly, consumers may be more likely to invest in thepurchase of these reusable bags than other, more expensive and lessuseful reusable bags. In addition, the extended lifespan of the reusablebags disclosed herein for purposes other than as carrying tools leads toless trash (e.g., in the form of plastic shopping bags and/or papertowels) entering the environment.

As mentioned above, the reusable bags disclosed herein are configuredfor multiple re-use and re-purposing. For example, in at least oneembodiment, the reusable bags disclosed herein (e.g., reusable bag 100)are configured to have a minimum lifetime capability of 125 or more usesin carrying at least 22 pounds over a distance of at least 175 feet. Intesting for this durability and weight-bearing strength, a user mayrepeatedly conduct a “walk test,” in which he or she places at least 22pounds inside the cavity of the bag, lifts the bag, carries the bag 175feet, and places the bag down. The user then repeats the “walk test” 124times to assess whether the bag preserves its carrying functionalitythrough the 125 trials. In some instances, the bag is unloaded andre-loaded every 25 “walk tests.” The bag is considered to have failedthe test if any of the following are true: (1) a hole greater than 3 cmin length in its longest dimension is observed; and (2) the handle ofthe bag tears or stretches to an extent that it becomes unusable or nolonger supports the bag in a reasonable position. In addition, in someembodiments, the reusable bag 100 is capable of being washed (i.e.,cleaned and disinfected) at least 100 times without degrading. Inaddition, in some embodiments, the fibrous material 205 of the reusablebag 100 is at least 2.25 mils thick. Moreover, in some embodiments, thereusable bag 100 meets the standards of the California Toxics inPackaging Prevention Act (i.e., no more than 100 ppm by total weightcombined of Lead, Cadmium, Mercury, and Hexavalent Chromium). Moreover,in some embodiments, the reusable bag 100 meets any standards forminimum recycled content established by regulation adopted by theDepartment of Environment, City, and County of San Francisco.

In some embodiments, the reusable bags described herein have equivalentweight-carrying capacities in both a dry and a wet condition (at leastup to a given weight limit). In one example, a dry reusable bag may beable to carry the same weight (e.g., 22 pounds) as a wet reusable bag.Table 5 illustrates experimental data obtained from wet and dry carryingtests using two different reusable bags 100. One bag was made fromfibrous material composed of Viscose (Tencel by Lenzing) non-wovenfibers having a weight of 65 gsm, and the other bag was made fromfibrous material composed of polyethelene terephthalate (PET) and paperpulp non-woven fibers having a weight of 65 gsm. Each bag was tested inthe following manner: a 22 pound weight was placed in the cavity of thebag, the bag was carried 175 feet, the bag was set down, and the bag wascarried another 175 feet. This exercise was repeated 125 times or untilthe bag failed the test. Failure of the test occurred if the bag brokeor developed a tear as large as 3 cm in its longest dimension.

TABLE 5 Wet/Dry Carrying Test Bag Size Weight (height × depth × Material(gsm) width in inches) Wet/Dry Carries Performance Viscose 65 12 × 6.5 ×22 Dry 125 Minor elongation; Some wear; No tears Viscose 65 12 × 6.5 ×22 Wet 42 Noticeable elongation near the weighted area; Minor wear;Failed when developed a 3 cm tear in bottom seam 60/40 PET Pulp 65 12 ×6.5 × 22 Dry 125 Minor MD elongation; Noticable CD elongation at bottom;No tears 60/40 PET Pulp 65 12 × 6.5 × 22 Wet 125 Minor MD elongation;Significant CD elongation at bottom; Noticable wear at bottom; Bagstretched and deformed yet still functional

Persons of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that theembodiments encompassed by the present disclosure are not limited to theparticular exemplary embodiments described above. In that regard,although illustrative embodiments have been shown and described, a widerange of modification, change, and substitution is contemplated in theforegoing disclosure. It is understood that such variations may be madeto the foregoing without departing from the scope of the presentdisclosure. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims beconstrued broadly and in a manner consistent with the presentdisclosure.

We claim:
 1. A reusable, multi-purpose bag, comprising: a flexible,resiliently deformable body comprising: a first material having a firstdegradation temperature and an absorption ratio of at least two to oneof absorbed water weight to bag weight, the first material forming ananterior panel and a posterior panel, the anterior panel positionedadjacent to the posterior panel to define a cavity therebetween; and asecond material having a second degradation temperature that is lowerthan the first degradation temperature, wherein at least a portion ofthe anterior panel is bonded to at least a portion of the posteriorpanel by the second material.
 2. The reusable, multipurpose bag of claim1, wherein the second material is disposed between the at least aportion of the anterior panel and the at least a portion of theposterior panel to seal the anterior panel to the posterior panel. 3.The reusable, multipurpose bag of claim 1, further including alongitudinal axis extending from the upper edge to the lower edge,wherein the longitudinal axis is substantially parallel with a machinedirection of the first material.
 4. The reusable, multipurpose bag ofclaim 1, wherein the second material melts onto the first material andhardens to bond the at least a portion of the anterior panel and the atleast a portion of the posterior panel.
 5. The reusable, multipurposebag of claim 1, wherein the first material comprises a nonwoven fibrousmaterial
 6. The reusable, multipurpose bag of claim 5, wherein the firstmaterial comprises a mixture of polymer fibers and pulp fibers.
 7. Thereusable, multipurpose bag of claim 6, wherein the ratio of polymerfibers to pulp fibers in the first material is approximately 5:7.
 8. Thereusable, multipurpose bag of claim 1, wherein the first material has aweight of at least 50 grams per square meter.
 9. The reusable,multipurpose bag of claim 1, further comprising a handle, the handleformed as a cut-out feature on at least one of the anterior panel andthe posterior panel.
 10. The reusable, multipurpose bag of claim 1,further including at least one sidewall formed by the coupling of theanterior panel and the posterior panel along a longitudinally-orientedside seam.
 11. The reusable, multipurpose bag of claim 10, furthercomprising a handle, the handle formed as an aperture through the atleast one sidewall.
 12. The reusable, multipurpose bag of claim 10,further including a gusset formed by the inward folding of the at leastone sidewall, wherein the second material is disposed on an exteriorsurface of the body within the gusset to seal the gusset.
 13. Thereusable, multipurpose bag of claim 1, further comprising an inkeddesign applied to the first material and coated with anoverprint-varnish.
 14. The reusable, multipurpose bag of claim 1,further comprising an antimicrobial agent applied to the first material.15. A reusable, multi-purpose bag, comprising: a flexible, resilientlydeformable body formed of a nonwoven fibrous material having anabsorption ratio of at least two to one of absorbed water weight to bagweight, the body comprising: an anterior panel including a first upperedge and a first lower edge; a posterior panel including a second upperedge and a second lower edge, the anterior panel being coupled to theposterior panel by a bonding agent applied between the anterior paneland the posterior panel and defining a cavity therebetween, the bondingagent being different than the nonwoven fibrous material; and alongitudinal axis extending from the first upper edge to the first loweredge; an opening between the first upper edge and the second upper edge,the opening in communication with the cavity; and a handle disposed onthe body, wherein the fibrous material comprises a nonwoven mixture ofpolymer fibers and pulp fibers.
 16. The reusable, multipurpose bag ofclaim 15, wherein the bonding agent has a lower degradation temperaturethan the nonwoven fibrous material and the bonding agent melts onto thenonwoven fibrous material and hardens to bond at least a portion of theanterior panel to at least a portion of the posterior panel.
 17. Thereusable, multipurpose bag of claim 15, wherein the nonwoven fibrousmaterial comprises a mixture of polymer fibers and pulp fibers.
 18. Thereusable, multipurpose bag of claim 15, wherein the longitudinal axis ofthe body is substantially parallel with the machine direction of thefibrous material.
 19. The reusable, multipurpose bag of claim 15,wherein the handle incorporates at least one of the first upper edge andthe second upper edge and is disposed on a sidewall formed where theanterior panel is longitudinally coupled to the posterior panel.
 20. Thereusable, multipurpose bag of claim 15, further including a gussetedsidewall formed by the coupling and folding of the anterior panel andthe posterior panel along the longitudinal axis.
 21. The reusable,multipurpose bag of claim 20, wherein the bonding agent is applied to anexterior surface of the body to seal at least a portion of the anteriorpanel to at least a portion of the posterior panel and form the gussetedsidewall.
 22. A reusable, multi-purpose bag, comprising: a flexible,resiliently deformable body formed of a nonwoven fibrous material havingan absorption ratio of at least two to one of absorbed water weight tobag weight, the body comprising: an anterior panel including a firstupper edge and a first lower edge; a posterior panel including a secondupper edge and a second lower edge, the anterior panel coupled to theposterior panel to define a cavity therebetween; a bonding agentdisposed between the anterior panel and the posterior panel to seal theanterior panel to the posterior panel, wherein the bonding agent has alower degradation temperature than the nonwoven fibrous material and thebonding agent melts onto the nonwoven fibrous material and bonds theanterior panel to the posterior panel; an opening between the firstupper edge and the second upper edge, the opening in communication withthe cavity; a handle; and a longitudinal axis extending from the firstupper edge to the first lower edge.
 23. The reusable, multipurpose bagof claim 22, further comprising a gusset formed on the body, wherein thebonding agent is disposed on an exterior surface of the body to seal atleast a portion of the anterior panel to at least a portion of theposterior panel and form the gusset.
 24. The reusable, multipurpose bagof claim 22, wherein the longitudinal axis of the body is substantiallyparallel with a machine direction of the nonwoven fibrous material. 25.The reusable, multipurpose bag of claim 22, wherein the bag has amaterial strength sufficient to carry a weight of at least twenty-twopounds for a distance of at least 21,875 feet without developing a tearof 3 centimeters or greater in the nonwoven fibrous material.
 26. Areusable, multi-purpose bag, comprising: a flexible, resilientlydeformable body formed of a nonwoven fibrous material, the bodycomprising: an anterior panel including a first upper edge and a firstlower edge; a posterior panel including a second upper edge and a secondlower edge, the anterior panel coupled to the posterior panel to definea cavity therebetween; a bonding agent, the bonding agent appliedbetween the anterior panel and the posterior panel to seal the anteriorpanel to the posterior panel, the bonding agent having a lowerdegradation temperature than the nonwoven fibrous material; and alongitudinal axis extending from the first upper edge to the first loweredge; an opening between the first upper edge and the second upper edge,the opening in communication with the cavity; and a handle disposed onthe body and spaced from the first and second lower edges along thelongitudinal axis in parallel with a machine direction of the material,wherein the handle incorporates at least one of the first upper edge andthe second upper edge and is disposed on a sidewall formed adjacentwhere the anterior panel is longitudinally coupled to the posteriorpanel.
 27. The reusable, multipurpose bag of claim 26, wherein thenonwoven fibrous material has an absorption ratio of at least two to oneof absorbed water weight to bag weight.
 28. The reusable, multipurposebag of claim 26, wherein the bonding agent is disposed between theanterior panel and the posterior panel in a longitudinal strip that isgenerally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bag to form a sideseam.
 29. The reusable, multipurpose bag of claim 28, wherein thebonding agent is disposed between the first upper edge and the secondupper edge in a longitudinal strip that is generally perpendicular tothe longitudinal axis of the bag.
 30. The reusable, multipurpose bag ofclaim 29, further comprising a gusset on the body, wherein the bondingagent is disposed on an exterior surface of the body to seal at least aportion of the anterior panel to at least a portion of the posteriorpanel and form the gusset.